As the College of Cardinals decides on who will be the next Pope , one layman is determined to meet His Holiness and chart a global course for peace and prosperity. Fresh off his “basketball diplomacy” trip to North Korea, NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman is en route to Vatican City with hopes of meeting the new pontiff. On Tuesday, Rodman was en route to Rome with the goal of meeting the Catholic Church’s next leader, with the conclave underway inside the Sistine Chapel. While it may be some time before white smoke billows out of the chapel’s chimney signaling the election of a new pope, Rodman is excited about it. He said his recent meeting with reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would prove he was worthy of at least a meeting with the pontiff-elect. “I want to be anywhere in the world that I’m needed,” Rodman told TMZ. “I want to spread a message of peace and love throughout the world.” The former Chicago Bulls star said his “people” were in contact with the powers that be to arrange a meeting with the successor to Pope Benedict XVI . ”He wants Obama to do one thing: Call him,” Rodman told ABC’s This Week . Claiming that he broke barriers in North Korea that no one else could, Rodman said he could also be the man to help craft plan of peace for the new pontiff. Here’s hoping?
If you haven’t seen the “Jeopardy” style show “Black College Quiz,” the quiz show series features HBCU College students from around the country showcasing their…
Do we need to be more up in arms over Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue ? Via Salon.com : Sports Illustrated’s latest swimsuit issue used their ”seven continents” theme as an occasion to run photos of (mostly) white models posing with people of color as a background that signifies the “exotic” nature of the shoot locations. In one shot from Guilin, Guangxi (an autonomous region of China), a white model reclines on a raft while a local man uses a pole to mimic chauffeuring her around. In another, this time in the southern African Republic of Namibia, a white model poses with a black man holding a spear, wearing indigenous clothing that reveals as much of his body as hers. Sports Illustrated is hardly the first magazine or catalog to use people of color as set design, only the most recent. Other examples include famed mammy doll candlestick-makers Anthropologie, along with J.Crew, Free People, Vogue and Nylon, to name just a few. Now, the problem isn’t with featuring different cultures in commercial or editorial contexts; it’s much more about editorial intent. When a photo makes clear that the story it is telling is not about the person being shot with the model, that instead they are being used purely as cultural context or “exotic” buzz — that’s the problem. The man in Namibia, whether or not he authentically dresses like that or if he was hired to do so, is not the story in that photo. He is there for a boring, hackneyed attempt at visual juxtaposition. His brownness is contrast for her whiteness. His spear, his desert, his all-encompassing “African-ness” is the point. He’s furniture. He’s the Taj Mahal. The Eiffel Tower. He’s there to locate the viewer in the world, not tell them anything. And none of this is to mention that the picture offers a purely one-dimensional representation of an entire country. Did you know that Namibia is not just one big desert? Did you know this completely generic shopping complex is not actually in Fairfield, Connecticut, but Windhoek? Now look, I am not here to regurgitate a critical race studies paper from my college years, but it’s important to talk about completely bogus representations of race and culture when they come up. But the response to the issue has largely ignored these bizarre and racially clueless images, instead focusing on Kate Upton and her nearly nekkid Arctic adventure. A spread which, by the way, used penguins the same way the Namibia and Guangxi shoots used people. Are we sensing what’s wrong here yet? That is pretty effed up, but we’re probably more upset that they only have two brown models in the whole magazine! Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated
Son Of Former L.A. Lakers Player Nick Van Exel Convicted Of Murder The 22-year-old son of former famed L.A. Lakers baller Nick Van Exel has been convicted of murder and is set to be sentenced on Friday. The attorney for Van Exel’s son says the incident was an “accidental” shooting that took place while his client and the deceased were playing around with a loaded shotgun. via The Grio North Texas jury has found the 22-year-old son of former NBA player Nick Van Exelguilty of murder in the shooting death of a longtime friend. A Dallas County jury deliberated about 2½ hours before returning its guilty verdict Thursday against Nickey Maxwell Van Exel. Prosecutors had sought a capital murder conviction. They say Van Exel fatally shot Bradley Bassey Eyo in December 2010 and dumped his body at Lake Ray Hubbard on the eastern outskirts of Dallas. Van Exel’s attorney had said the two were playing with a shotgun at Van Exel’s Garland home, and that Van Exel didn’t know the gun was loaded. So his laywer didn’t think the whole “it was an accident” thing kind of lost credibility when his client decided to dump the body in the Lake afterwards? SMH. Poor Nick. Photo Credit: Kye R. Lee/The Dallas Morning News
Something good HAS to come from such a horrific tragedy . Reward For Info About Hadiya Pendleton’s Shooting Death Raised To $40,000 Via Chicago-Tribune As community members marched in memory of Hadiya Pendleton today, officials announced the reward for information in the slaying of the King College Prep sophomore has been increased to $40,000. Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy and other police officials announced the increased reward in advance of an anti-violence march in her honor that left from her high school, 4445 S. Drexel Blvd. Hadiya had just finished her final exams at King College Prep, and was hanging out with friends from the school’s volleyball team when she was gunned down Tuesday in Harsh Park, in the 4400 block of South Oakenwald Avenue. Thursday afternoon, police announced the reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting had increased to $24,000, up from $11,000 announced Wednesday. By Friday night the reward was up to $40,000. Dozens of adults and children marched this afternoon from King Prep High School to Harsh Park, the scene of the shooting. They were escorted by at least six police vehicles as the crowd chanted, urging anyone with information about Pendleton’s slaying to come forward. “If you know who did this, turn them in!” shouted Melvin, a man who led the march but did not want to provide his last name out of fear of retaliation. “If you don’t support this, next it might be you!” Many people who knew Hadiya have told stories of her kindness and strength, none more telling than this one… Raven Barnes, 18, a King College Prep senior who was friends with Hadiya, said she “always had a smile on her face.” “I never thought it would happen to Hadiya because she’s one of the nicest people,” Barnes said. “She didn’t deserve it.” Hadiya recently broke up an “altercation” between Barnes and another girl, Barnes recalled. She said Hadiya convinced her to avoid the conflict and swear off fighting with other girls for good. “She just was a person who hated violence,” Barnes said. “She didn’t want any violence … ever. It’s just so sad that violence took her life.” Our hearts still hurt for Hadiya, her family, and the entire Chicago community that deals with these kinds of losses on a daily basis. What can we do to help ensure that our children are safe from this kind of egregious violence. Image via
Republican Party Working To Change Electoral College Rules This just in from the loser’s corner… via NBC News Republicans in MI, OH, PA, VA are looking to change the Electoral College rules, but not their party. The changes would give the GOP a HUGE advantage in presidential contests, but it would also present this dilemma for Republicans: it would speed up efforts to have the popular vote decide presidential elections. Republicans are looking to change the Electoral College system in battleground states that Democrats have won in the last two cycles. As the Washington Post reports, Republicans in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia — all controlled at the state level (in some form or fashion) by the GOP — have proposed awarding their Electoral College votes by congressional district instead of the winner-take-all approach used by every state except for two (Maine and Nebraska). The Republicans advocating these changes say they would give smaller communities more of a voice in presidential battleground states. These lames really ought to give it a rest. They have four more years before anyone cares again.
Kanye’s salty ex brown banger boo Brooke puts him on blast! Kanye West’s Ex-Girlfriend Brooke Puts The Rapper On Blast Kanye West ’s ex-girlfriend says the Watch the Throne rapper was “insecure” and “vulnerable” and wouldn’t go on stage unless she was there to reassure him. Via RadarOnline reports: “He was quite vulnerable. He was insecure as he couldn’t be with me every day. I got the impression he worried he wasn’t good enough for me. “He needs people to tell him he is good and that he is needed and wanted.” Brooke, 31, met the star backstage at an Usher concert. Then on the cusp of global fame, West was the opening act for the R&B singer. The two dated while his debut album The College Dropout soared up the charts and earned the rapper a Grammy Award nomination. But she says back then he needed her reassurance just to get on stage and perform. “He wouldn’t start his show unless I was at the side of the stage,” Brooke says. “One night the show was delayed because he couldn’t find me. He refused to go on till I’d told him it was going to be OK.” Brooke says they eventually split up because she wasn’t comfortable with the increasing female attention West was getting. Saying that her ex was obsessed with curvy women she says she is not surprised that he is dating Kim Kardashian, who is pregnant with his child. “For Kanye, what other person besides Kim Kardashian is there?” she said. “There’s Halle Berry, J-Lo and Beyoncé but they are all taken. She fits into his brand.” Brooke thinks his decision to settle down was inspired by his desire to be like his mentor Jay-Z. She explained: “He admires Jay-Z and they are very close. Over the years Jay has been a role model to him. “Whether it is starting to be more mature, taking chances with clothes or getting married and starting a family, ultimately he takes those cues from Jay.” Hit the jump for a gallery of all of Ye’s former flames. Peep a timeline of all of Kanye’s gang of girls before Kim below…
According to a new report, Alexandra del Pilar dated Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o for a couple months toward the end of last year. And get this: she actually exists! TMZ has uncovered evidence, in the form of anonymous quotes; Twitter posts; and, most damning of all, photos, that make it appear as if Te’o struck up a relationship with del Pilar – a 21-year old student at St. Mary’s College in Indiana – some time in mid-November. Why is this significant? According to the Manti Te’o girlfriend story, Lennay Kekua – who we now know never existed – passed away on September 12. Therefore, the fact that he reportedly got involved with del Pilar just a few weeks later – and recently split with her – doesn’t speak well to the star’s credibility, lending credence to the theory that Te’o was in on the giant death hoax. Earlier today, an insider told ESPN that she was told by Ronaiah Tuiasosopo that he set Te’o up and the athlete played no role in the scheme. What side are you on? Do you think Te’o was the victim of a Catfish hoax? Yes, the poor guy! No, he was in on it! View Poll »
Dear Bossip , One of my good friends’ mutual friend befriended me on Facebook about two years ago. He thought I was beautiful and wanted to carry a conversation with me. I thought he was cute but didn’t really care to entertain him; plus I was in an on and off relationship. Still, we exchanged numbers and texted. It wasn’t deep but it helped pass the time. During the time his college was 4 hours from mine. I had no intentions on ever seeing him and just wanted to keep him at a distance. Later, something happened that made me lose interest so I left it alone. He would hit me up once in a blue, but for the most part I left it alone. Last summer his father died so he moved back in with his mom to help her out. I hit him up to give my condolences and to let him know that I was here. People always say I’m here when someone dies, but I really meant it because I lost my father a few years ago. Anyways our conversations picked up again. I had just gotten out of my 4 year on and off again relationship and wasn’t looking for anything. I expressed that very firmly. The more we talked the deeper it got and of course I caught feelings. I fought it and gave my all not to give in but his words got me. I’d like to think I’m a very strong woman, but I put my guard down. He said he was willing to be just my friend until I was ready. I never felt like I would be ready. The timing wasn’t good. In 6 months I’m leaving to spend 2 ½ years teaching sick kids in Africa. But, again, I was just passing time. Soon our text messages turned into 4-5 hour phone calls almost every night. He made me laugh harder than anyone and we had so much in common. He told his family and friends about me and he was always on my mind. I even took a 2 ½ hour drive to see him one day. The chemistry was too real. I couldn’t deny it. I never slept with him, but it did get hot and heavy. (I told him I had a three month rule). Any way, he was supposed to come spend the weekend with me later on that month. I went out and bought all of this food because I love to cook. I was so excited to see him. He told me he would be at my house at 9 that night, only 9 came and went. Around 10:30 I got a text message saying that he couldn’t make it because of the drive and not having gas money. WTF!? I was pissed. I didn’t even get a phone call! He ended up calling me later, but I was too upset to pick up. We talked about it two days later and I let him know why I was disappointed. I wanted to believe in him. We all make mistakes so I let it go. At a later time I had some errands to run in his home town so I took that 2 ½ hour drive again and we had planned to meet up. To make a long story short he ended up flaking again. First time shame on you, the second time shame on me. And, with me there is no third time. It’s been two months and since then I’ve deleted his number and he’s called once and texted once. No apology or voicemail. I didn’t fall in love with him, but I liked him enough to put my guard down. Who spends 5 hours on the phone everyday with someone if they don’t care about you!? Why waste your time and introduce me to your sister and tell your family about me if you had intentions on being an a**? Am I crazy? Did I do something wrong? I’m a 2-year old college graduate with 3 jobs (the epitome of Miss Independent). I’m strong, beautiful, and very intelligent, but how could I be so dumb? How did the perfect guy end up being a wolf in sheep’s clothing? – Confused About His Behavior Dear Ms. Confused About His Behavior , Welp! Lesson learned. Don’t fret over it. Don’t get your panties into a bunch. And, definitely don’t let it consume you. He showed you his a** and thank the lord you didn’t bend over to kiss it. Who knows why he did what he did. There are lots of reasons. And, only he knows why. But, I wouldn’t let it bother me because you didn’t lose out on anything. You didn’t have sex with him. Thank goodness. And, the only thing you invested in was hours of conversation of your time. Please thank your lucky stars that you did not invest any large amount of money, resources, or sexual liaisons with him. Then you would be even angrier. But, let’s look at a few clues that lead to his silly and immature behaviors. 1.) You are not the first, nor will be the last girl he finds cute or beautiful on Facebook and want to have conversation with. Girl, most men peruse Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram stalking women’s profiles. All of these online sites make it easy for men (especially sexual predators) to have free access to your life. All the photos of that you post, and what you’re doing, and who you’re hanging with provides many men with insights into your psyche. And, the games begin. They are hunting for p***y. They make these elaborate schemes of playing on women’s emotions and feelings hoping one of them will be easy enough to get into his bed, and he can lay claim he blew your back out. And, you ladies make it easy for them because you put all your business out there. All a man has to do is read your status updates, read your timelines, and voila, you’ve given him insights to your life and world. SMDH! Y’all gon’ learn tuhday! 2.) Notice that in the beginning that he was keeping it light and easy. Just as you were. Any man who is really and genuinely interested in a woman will make every attempt in getting to know her. He will not only text, but call, SKYPE, and make attempts on visiting you. His conversation is not primarily on sex, and when you’re going to let him hit. He’s really interested in you, and getting to know you. But, men are good at deception. They will play your game, however, once you laid the 3-month rule on him, he hit the ground running. He thought you would be an easy lay. And, when you didn’t put out, he lost interest. You should be so lucky, and glad you stuck to your guns. Don’t every compromise yourself for a one-night stand. 3.) Don’t ever. EVER! EVER! Make the first move by driving to a man’s house and he’s made no attempts to come see you. The thirst is heavy and strong if you drive to a man’s house first. If you go to his home first, and you drive long distances, or fly across country, uhm, he feels and thinks that he’s going to get some. He thinks you’re going to spread your legs for him because only a woman who is vulnerable, weak, and d**k hungry will drive or fly to go see a man first. Ladies, if he’s interested in you, and getting to know you, then he has to be the one who makes the first move, and in coming to see you. He has to make the effort in coming to you. And, meet in a mutual public place. Do not go to his house. Do not invite him to yours. I don’t care how long you’ve been texting, or talking on the phone. I don’t care how comfortable you may feel. You don’t know him as well as you think you do. You’re playing with your life inviting strangers into your home. 4.) When his dad died, you became his shoulder to lean on. You became a voice and person to confide in. When people lose a loved one, especially a parent, they become vulnerable. They want someone they can talk to and someone they feel they connect with. And, what comes next with someone who is vulnerable, SEX! Their guard is down. They want to feel wanted. They want to be comforted. And, sex is an easy and accessible way inside their lives. He wanted sex. He wanted you to really show you cared for him by laying with him. And, you were like, “Oh, no ma’am. I’m not an easy chick. And, that you weren’t cheap.” Once you didn’t give up the goods, he became disinterested. You were not worth the investment in getting to know further. Again, be glad he walked out of your life. Be thankful that he showed you who he really was. 5.) The first time he flaked when he was supposed to come see you, and by 9pm when he didn’t arrive, and you didn’t get a text from him until 10:30pm with him saying he wasn’t coming because he didn’t have any gas money, that let’s me know that he had no intention on coming at all. Why wait an 1 ½ later to text. He didn’t even call. He texted you. Girl, puhlease. He doesn’t deserve any more conversation after that. Yeah, he may have really wanted to come, but he had the entire day to come up on some gas money for the drive to your house. But, I don’t buy it. A man who is interested in any woman will find the means and ways to get to the woman he wants to be with. Trust me! Then, you give him another opportunity when you had to go to his city and he flaked again. Girl, no! NO! NO! NO! NO! (In my Destiny’s Child voice). Lastly, when you revealed to him that you were going to South Africa for 2 ½ years, and on top of that, you have a 3-month rule before having sex, and you leave in six months, chile, ain’t nobody got time for that! He wanted to hit it before you left, and keep it moving. He isn’t nor wasn’t invested in anything longer with you. And, you shouldn’t be thinking of anything long-term either. You’re not going to be here. So, why invest in something with someone and you’re going to be gone for 2 ½ years? That doesn’t make any sense. Look, this is a lesson learned. He’s not worth your time, presence, or friendship. Delete him as you’ve already done from all your social media sites, and keep his number deleted. As a matter of fact, put DNA (Do Not Answer) next to his number so that way when he calls or texts again, you’ll know better than to answer. Also, you’re young. You’re leaving to go to South Africa for 2 ½ years to make a difference in other’s lives. That should be your focus. You don’t have time for a relationship with some lowlife bum with childish games. Girl, go be your greatness, and commit yourself to the power and inspiration that you are. You’re going to do great things in this world, and you need a great man beside you. Hell, you may find a prince or king while in South Africa. – Terrance Dean Hey Bossip Fam, what do you think? Share your opinions and thoughts below! Also, e-mail all your questions Terrance Dean : loveandrelationships@bossip.com Follow Terrance Dean on Twitter : @terrancedean “LIKE” Terrance Dean on Facebook , click HERE! Make sure to order my books Mogul: A Novel (Atria Books – June 2011; $15), and Straight From Your Gay Best Friend – The Straight Up Truth About Relationships, Love, And Having A Fabulous Life (Agate/Bolden Books – November 2010; $15). They are available in bookstores everywhere, and on Amazon, click HERE!
Aubrey Ireland didn’t want it to come to this, but the 21-year old student at College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati says she had no choice: She has been awarded a civil stalking restraining order against her parents. A judge has ruled that David and Julie Ireland must remain at least 500 feet away from their only child because Aubrey says their protectiveness has spiraled out of control. “They basically thought that they were paying for my college tuition and living expenses that they could tell me what to do,” Ireland told ABC News. For example, she alleges her parents installed monitoring software on her computer and her phone; would show up announced for meetings with her and her department heads; and have accused her of drug use and promiscuity. “My mom has always been very overly involved,” Ireland says. “I would have to get on Skype all the time to show them that I was in my dorm room, or there were nights I had to leave my Skype on all night and my mom would watch me basically sleep.” David and Julie Ireland disagree, of course. They demand a refund on the $66,000 they have paid toward Aubry’s college tuition and they believe, according to Julie, that they are “not bothering her.” Aubrey adds that her parents have been diagnosed with co-dependency disorder and: “I knew that they were holding me back emotionally, mentally, and professionally and that it got to the point where that was basically my last option.”
